The pin-tailed parrotfinch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Thailand and China. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10,000,000 km2.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern China through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and parts of Indonesia, including Borneo and Sumatra. It inhabits bamboo thickets, forest edges, secondary growth, scrub, and cultivated landscapes such as rice paddies and plantations. The species often follows the availability of seeding bamboo and grasses, leading to local irruptions. It is common in lowlands but also ascends foothills and lower montane zones where food is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Pin-tailed parrotfinches are small, bright green estrildids often forming flocks that move with seeding grasses and bamboo. They can irrupt into rice fields and are sometimes considered minor agricultural pests. Trapping for the cage-bird trade occurs locally, but the species remains widespread. Their long, red central tail feathers give the species its name.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small to medium flocks, sometimes larger when food peaks during bamboo or rice seeding. Nests are globular structures of grass and leaves placed in dense shrubs, bamboo clumps, or tall grasses. Both parents share incubation and chick-rearing duties.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A soft, high-pitched twittering and thin seet calls given in contact while foraging. Males produce a delicate, squeaky warble from a perch or during short display flights.
